Orioles' Roberts set to return after year-long absence

Many thought he'd never play again, yet barring a last-minute setback, second baseman Brian Roberts is due to return to the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday.

Roberts, who suffered a concussion in September 2010 and another in May 2011, wrapped up his rehab assignment Sunday and is expected to rejoin the 25-man roster Tuesday after spending the past year on the disabled list.

The switch-hitting former All-Star tried to come back in late summer 2011, but recurring headaches prevented him from participating in anything more than light drills. He first appeared in organized, affiliated games during his rehab process over the past few weeks. Roberts hit a combined .238 with a .340 on-base percentage, five doubles, one homer and four RBI in 14 games for three Baltimore farm teams.

Roberts won't play every day. He'll probably serve as the designated hitter as much as he plays second base, which will be fairly regularly between equally regular days off.

Expecting the old Roberts -- a doubles and stolen-bases machine -- to return to form immediately would be unfair. But his mere presence and experience will bring some new spark to the club.

And Roberts should be energized in his return. The Orioles haven't been this competitive since the 2005 season, when Roberts was breaking out in his third full season.